Coach Arne Slot made only one change to the starting lineup compared to the 2-0 victory over West Ham last weekend, with Milos Kerkez starting instead of Andy Robertson. Salah was on the bench for the second consecutive time and only came on at the start of the second half, replacing Cody Gakpo.

This, however, did not guarantee a winning formula. Despite playing at Anfield, Liverpool struggled to control the game and were drawn into a chaotic match by Sunderland, characterized by rapid transitions.

Chemsdine Talbi (left) celebrates with Granit Xhaka during Sunderland's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Merseyside, England on 3/12. Shutterstock

Chemsdine Talbi (left) celebrates with Granit Xhaka during Sunderland's 1-1 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, Merseyside, England on 3/12. Shutterstock

Liverpool's two record-breaking Premier League signings, Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, attempted to make an impact with shots on goal, but Sunderland created the first dangerous chance. In the 32nd minute, Dominik Szoboszlai made a misplaced pass in his own half, allowing Trai Hume to unleash a powerful shot from outside the box. Alisson struggled to rectify his teammate's error, pushing the ball onto the crossbar.

The Brazilian goalkeeper was helpless against a similar mistake in the 67th minute. Virgil van Dijk's errant pass in his own half allowed Le Fee to intercept and pass to Chemsdine Talbi. Talbi took two touches before striking from 25 meters. The ball deflected off Van Dijk himself, changing direction towards the far corner, leaving Alisson unable to save despite a full-stretch dive.

Facing difficulties, Liverpool relied on luck to find an equalizer. In the 81st minute, Curtis Jones intercepted the ball and passed to Florian Wirtz. The 170 million USD midfielder drove into the box and unleashed a left-footed shot that deflected off Nordi Mukiele and into the net.

Florian Wirtz's shot deflects off Nordi Mukiele and into the net. EPA

Florian Wirtz's shot deflects off Nordi Mukiele and into the net. EPA

It initially appeared Wirtz had scored his first goal for Liverpool. However, the Premier League organizers officially recorded it as an own goal by Mukiele.

The 1-1 draw reflected the match's events, with each team hitting the woodwork once. In the 44th minute, Joe Gomez crossed the ball for Alexis Mac Allister, whose powerful header struck the post. In the 62nd minute, Omar Alderete missed a similar scoring opportunity for Sunderland, his header also hitting the post.

Wilson Isidor rounds Alisson and shoots, but Federico Chiesa blocks it before the goal line. Shutterstock

Wilson Isidor rounds Alisson and shoots, but Federico Chiesa blocks it before the goal line. Shutterstock

Sunderland, however, had reason for regret. They believed they had scored a winning goal in the fourth minute of added time. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs launched a long ball, allowing Wilson Isidor to break free, round Alisson, and shoot towards an empty net. But substitute Federico Chiesa diligently tracked back, arriving in time to clear the danger off the goal line.

Hong Duy